Asiya Rafiq is a Modest Fashion Designer from UAE. Designing fashion for People With Different Cognitive And Physical Disorders.

PWH: Describe your style in four words?

AR: Modest, Feminine, Vintage Mix, Comfort

PWH: What inspired your start in fashion?

AR: Inspiration touches each of us in different ways, we just need to open our eyes to the world around us.

I am an art lover, any sort of creativity attracts me and since my childhood, I always wanted to transform people by choosing outfits that help them feel amazingly self-confident and make a great impression. It was a kind of observation which inspired me to even thought of an idea sparked to think of presentable clothes for our employed domestics, whether it is your helper women at your home, should wear presentable clothes. I make sure not only to style myself but my helper women should also look presentable. We’re all human, we all have a desire to feel good about ourselves. I think it’s essential. Everyone should be able to feel like what they wear is comfortable and have outfits and appropriate clothing for every occasion.

Even when I was a kid, I used to just think of creating new designs that can be brought to life. And even after becoming an Advertising Professional I couldn’t ignore that creative side of me and ended shifting to fashion.

PWH: You have a passion for designing clothes specifically for people with physical disabilities, where did this passion come from?

AR: With most of us leading super busy lives, I believe the idea of volunteering-giving your time and money to a worthy cause is a great way to help the community.

The more we give, the happier we feel.

In 2019 I volunteered in Special Olympics World Games. My work involved helping people of determination. I remember this one instance when a young man wanted to go for prayers but was having trouble with his shoelace. He finally asked me for help and I obliged. But from then on, it opened my eyes to the fact that small things, such as being able to untie laces, can go a long way towards making someone feel helpless and frustrated. I wanted to do something that could make life easier for him- and people like him. Volunteering for the event made me realize it wasn’t just laced that people of determination had trouble with- removal of undergarments could be difficult, I already had the talent of designing clothes and wanted to use my talent for something to benefit others, It all just happened to come together.

PWH: How can readers find your collection?

AR: My clothing line is taking baby steps at the moment. God willing I will be successfully putting all my efforts into making it easier clothing to reach people in need. Right now I am showcasing my designs on my Instagram Page named ‘Adaptive By Asiya’ Besides my product design I am working to start my own Youtube channel to launch my project ‘Make My Style Accessible’ to provide more information about adaptive clothing, styling, and more to the next generation of designers and simultaneously to raise awareness about fashion for all.

Recent News My work was featured in a New Book “Modesty A Fashion Paradox”.